[Ohio-talk] Ohio-talk Digest, Vol 17, Issue 10

Dawn dlanting at bex.net
Wed Jul 15 04:19:44 UTC 2009


Hello everyone
Colleen puts everything always in the right words
She has a lot of wisdom and I think a lot of experience
I was taught by the person at the Toledo sight center that if you used a
sighted guide you shouldn't use a cane at the same time
But when colleen got to the convention she set me straight she was only
there with me for a day but she kept on me to get my cane out 
I feel that is how we all learn by other who have already traveled down the
same road
I myself enjoyed the general sessions sometimes I wanted to tell 
Others to be quiet so I could hear what they were saying they told us a lot
of interesting things
When the others got up there and were talking about reading brail that
really hit home to me
Hear I have a college education and now I cant read with out the help of my
computer
I think it is funny how all the people I no
Ask me if I can read Braille I say no not yet but they don't understand
They thought I guess
That when I lost my sight I would automatically no brail
I now have a great brail teacher who even comes to my home when we went to
the restraunt
She was reading me the menu
It was like she was reading with sight she read so well and so fast
I want to be able to read like that again
And after listening to them people on stage at the general sessions I no I
can do it
I enjoyed the convention and took in everything I could for the first time
I went into the back to basic workshop then I had a pretty bad insulin
reaction and had to take care of that 
I am very thankful I even did a survey to help blind diabetics to let the
manufactures no that blind people can operate a insulin pen even with no
eyes
I myself would love to have a pen but the type of insulin I use is high
potency and they don't make it for a pen
I really
Think I learned a lot I no Mrs. Roth was wait ing on the work shop how to
love your dog hheehehehehehehehee
Here kitty kitty kitty
Thank you everyone for your help if I wasn't to talkative at times
Them were the times I was just to overwhelmed me not talkative hmmmmmmmmmmmm
who would believe that
Maybe next time Stevie will get through  on the phone hehehehheheheei have
to go study my brail now
Dawn


-----Original Message-----
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Behalf Of ohio-talk-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 1:00 PM
To: ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: Ohio-talk Digest, Vol 17, Issue 10

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: Great Convention (Everett Gavel)
   2. Re: Great Convention (Colleen Roth)
   3. The Attendance of General Sessions? (Everett Gavel)
   4. Re: candy sells (Melannen amara)
   5. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions? (Colleen Roth)
   6. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions? (Everett Gavel)
   7. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions? (Dr. Smith)
   8. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions? (Dr. Smith)
   9. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions? (Carol Akers)
  10. Re: The Attendance of General Sessions?
      (Payne, Richard L (GE Money))


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:02:28 -0400
From: "Everett Gavel" <e.gavel at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Great Convention
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <000601ca03f4$da4048b0$e25fe446 at nb9and4dl3cizf1>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

I have 5 experiences and thoughts to share in regards to my convention
experience this year:

1)  I'm thankful for the roommates I had.  It was good to get to know all 3
of them better.  I look forward to meeting up with Eric (from Toledo), Henry
and Christian (both from Cleveland) at future conventions and other events.

2)  Eric, Hannah, and I met another convention-goer down in the lobby one
night.  She had just arrived that day (from Chicago) and was sitting there
alone (well, her and her GDF guide-dog, Jim), doing her homework.  It was
her first convention, and basically her opening herself up to the NFB for
the first time, too, I believe she said.  Well, I don't know if we let her
be alone again for the rest of the week.  We were checking to make sure she
always had something to do and someone to do it with.  If she didn't, we
told her to come with us, wherever that may have been.  Her name is Sarah,
Sarah Chung, and she is the young lady that some of you met during the
March, because when Hannah went to the ER with her friend (Alicia) and
realized she'd miss the march due to still being at the ER, I shanghaied
Sarah to help me carry the flag!  And not only that, but I do love the way
God works and weaves things together.  Sarah is from Chicago, but being so
new to all this, she really knew no one yet from the Illinois affiliate.  So
she hung out with some friendly Ohioans for much of the week.  It turns out
that Sarah lives only about 45 minutes from where Marilyn Donehey just moved
to, North of Chicago.  So I hooked them up and pointed out some great
similarities between them.  That they both are musically inclined to say the
least.  That besides the trumpet, Sarah also plays the piano, and that
Marilyn is currently looking for a piano player to partner with so she can
hopefully continue on with what she was doing here in Northeast Ohio.  Here
she was half of a duo (duet?) called, "The Melody Masters."  On top of that,
Marilyn wants to start an NFB chapter North of Chicago, since the Chicago
meeting is so far away.  And with Sarah being so close to Marilyn now, a
more local chapter would be great for both of them, and so I think they can
work together on that chapter as well.  How cool is that?

3) At the elevators after the banquet, I met an old e-mail friend, in-person
for the first time.  His girlfriend mentioned wanting to do something I'd
been thinking of for weeks, but hadn't attempted yet.  See, in Cleveland
they have this hi-rise called Tower City.  Each year they have some sort of
a fundraiser called, I think, "Race to the Top."  It's 42 floors up, and
people race up the stairwell.  I have yet to make it up to Cleveland to
participate, but I hope to one day.  And I've been thinking, "Hey, this
hotel I'll be staying at in Detroit has 72 floors, nevermind 42!"  So this
young lady at the elevators and I became instant friends, and, "Partners In
Climb."  And that is how Lindsey from Rhode Island, Sarah from Chicago, and
my tired old butt from Ohio climbed 70+ flights of stairs together, the
evening of the banquet.  Why, you might ask? Why not, I say in return.  It's
that simple, if you let it be.  We created a memory, to say the least.

4) Again I missed meetings I'd hoped to go to.  Again I missed one full
afternoon of General sessions and bits and pieces of a couple of others.
And I totally messed-up and missed out on helping out at the Ohio table this
year (Sorry, Crystal).  But I'm getting better, year-after-year.  It was
invigorating to be at convention again.  This was my first national since
2003.  And though this point may sound like a negative, it isn't.  Getting
to cnovention helped solidify several things for me, and reinvigorated me,
while helping me realize I did better, am doing better, than at previous
conventions. ;-)

5) Lastly, I want to share something I just had a thought on.  I have wished
several times for easier-to-maneuver hotels (Atlanta and Detroit both come
to mind most immediately for me).   But in thinking more about it, I'm glad
for these hotels and these experiences.  Because through any minor
frustrations, at the very least it ends up pointing out a simple fact:  that
no matter the circumstances, no matter the supposed barriers, we will
survive, and we will ultimately get there.  And hey, we might even find
something better than what we had in mind as a destination originally.  All
from simply taking that step past our hesitancy, past our not knowing
exactly where we are headed, and just doing it.  It reminds me of the simple
truth that one does not grow without being put under stress.  It's how we
grow our muscles, it's how we grow our knowledge, and certainly it's how God
grows us.

Thanks for letting me be a part of such a great week, and such a great
experience.


Everett
www.DreamingInTandem.blogspot.com






------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:04:17 -0800
From: Colleen Roth <n8tnv at att.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Great Convention
To: ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
Message-ID: <20090714020417.n8tnv at att.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Hi All,
I am glad that those who posted had a great time at Convention.
Let's remember that part of being at Convention is attending the sessions
and working where assigned.
It's nice to have fun but our primary reason for being at a Convention is to
participate in Sessions and work where assigned.
You can still have time to party. There is a balance there.
Actually, I think you can attend every Session, the Banquet and some evening
meetings and still have time to have fun.
Let's see how many people we can get to State Convention and how much
participation we can have at all the sessions.
Colleen Roth


----- Original Message -----
From: "Everett Gavel" <e.gavel at sbcglobal.net>
To: "NFB OF Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Date: 2009/07/13 20:03:03
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Great Convention

>
>
> I have 5 experiences and thoughts to share in regards to my convention
> experience this year:
> 
> 1)  I'm thankful for the roommates I had.  It was good to get to know all
3
> of them better.  I look forward to meeting up with Eric (from Toledo),
Henry
> and Christian (both from Cleveland) at future conventions and other
events.
> 
> 2)  Eric, Hannah, and I met another convention-goer down in the lobby one
> night.  She had just arrived that day (from Chicago) and was sitting there
> alone (well, her and her GDF GUIDE-DOG, Jim), doing her homework.  It was
> her first convention, and basically her opening herself up to the NFB FOR
> the first time, too, I believe she said.  Well, I don't know if we let her
> be alone again for the rest of the week.  We were checking to make sure
she
> always had something to do and someone to do it with.  If she didn't, we
> told her to come with us, wherever that may have been.  Her name is Sarah,
> Sarah Chung, and she is the young lady that some of you met during the
> March, because when Hannah went to the ER WITH HER FRIEND (Alicia) and
> realized she'd miss the march due to still being at the ER, I shanghaied
> Sarah to help me carry the flag!  And not only that, but I do love the way
> God works and weaves things together.  Sarah is from Chicago, but being so
> new to all this, she really knew no one yet from the Illinois affiliate.
So
> she hung out with some friendly Ohioans for much of the week.  It turns
out
> that Sarah lives only about 45 minutes from where Marilyn Donehey just
moved
> to, North of Chicago.  So I hooked them up and pointed out some great
> similarities between them.  That they both are musically inclined to say
the
> least.  That besides the trumpet, Sarah also plays the piano, and that
> Marilyn is currently looking for a piano player to partner with so she can
> hopefully continue on with what she was doing here in Northeast Ohio.
Here
> she was half of a duo (duet?) called, "The Melody Masters."  On top of
that,
> Marilyn wants to start an NFB CHAPTER North of Chicago, since the Chicago
> meeting is so far away.  And with Sarah being so close to Marilyn now, a
> more local chapter would be great for both of them, and so I think they
can
> work together on that chapter as well.  How cool is that?
> 
> 3) At the elevators after the banquet, I met an old e-mail friend,
in-person
> for the first time.  His girlfriend mentioned wanting to do something I'd
> been thinking of for weeks, but hadn't attempted yet.  See, in Cleveland
> they have this hi-rise called Tower City.  Each year they have some sort
of
> a fundraiser called, I think, "Race to the Top."  It's 42 floors up, and
> people race up the stairwell.  I have yet to make it up to Cleveland to
> participate, but I hope to one day.  And I've been thinking, "Hey, this
> hotel I'll be staying at in Detroit has 72 floors, nevermind 42!"  So this
> young lady at the elevators and I became instant friends, and, "Partners
In
> Climb."  And that is how Lindsey from Rhode Island, Sarah from Chicago,
and
> my tired old butt from Ohio climbed 70+ flights of stairs together, the
> evening of the banquet.  Why, you might ask? Why not, I say in return.
It's
> that simple, if you let it be.  We created a memory, to say the least.
> 
> 4) Again I missed meetings I'd hoped to go to.  Again I missed one full
> afternoon of General sessions and bits and pieces of a couple of others.
> And I totally messed-up and missed out on helping out at the Ohio table
this
> year (Sorry, Crystal).  But I'm getting better, year-after-year.  It was
> invigorating to be at convention again.  This was my first national since
> 2003.  And though this point may sound like a negative, it isn't.  Getting
> to cnovention helped solidify several things for me, and reinvigorated me,
> while helping me realize I did better, am doing better, than at previous
> conventions. ;com)
> 
> 5) Lastly, I want to share something I just had a thought on.  I have
wished
> several times for easier-to-maneuver hotels (Atlanta and Detroit both come
> to mind most immediately for me).   But in thinking more about it, I'm
glad
> for these hotels and these experiences.  Because through any minor
> frustrations, at the very least it ends up pointing out a simple fact:
that
> no matter the circumstances, no matter the supposed barriers, we will
> survive, and we will ultimately get there.  And hey, we might even find
> something better than what we had in mind as a destination originally.
All
> from simply taking that step past our hesitancy, past our not knowing
> exactly where we are headed, and just doing it.  It reminds me of the
simple
> truth that one does not grow without being put under stress.  It's how we
> grow our muscles, it's how we grow our knowledge, and certainly it's how
God
> grows us.
> 
> Thanks for letting me be a part of such a great week, and such a great
> experience.
> 
> 
> Everett
> www.DreamingInTandem.blogspot.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:28:40 -0400
From: "Everett Gavel" <e.gavel at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <000c01ca041a$096bf010$e25fe446 at nb9and4dl3cizf1>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Hello Ohio,

Due to some recent messages here, I am opening up the possibility for some
further education.  In regards to attending the General sessions.

Here's my question:

If I look through the agenda, and one particular block of time has nothing
that seems at all of interest to me on any of a few levels, why is it such a
bad thing if I miss that section of the general session?  Now, I know full
well there are others who missed parts here and there.  They're just 'smart'
enough to keep their mouths shut on it.  But I'm asking someone, or a bunch
of someone's please, to chime in here with good, relevant, and concise
reasons as to why we supposedly need to attend every general session - even
if it were in Japanese without an interpreter.  Or at least, that's the way
it seems.

I'm hoping y'all can give some gentle and guiding advice on this point, or
at least, I'm opening it up for that.  Because I talked to several new and
younger people from our affiliate throughout the week and got the impression
that they felt similar to what I've felt in the past sometimes.  Like,
"Well, I'm supposed to be there, and they expect me to be there, so I should
be there even if I don't know exactly why I need to be there."

I believe I could've done a better job inspiring others to be there, along
with inspiring myself along those lines, if I could've kept it clear in my
noggin as to why it's so highly encouraged, other than to not have a bunch
of empty seats in our affiliate during the presentations.  If there are
other reasons, I'm asking for a refresher here, for us all, please?


Thanks,
Everett







------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:37:26 -0400
From: "Melannen amara" <mindhealer at bex.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] candy sells
To: "'NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List'"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <0969252047404D839E5320D114C9CA52 at Amy>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

YAY DAWN!!!! 

-----Original Message-----
From: ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of richard payne
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:13 AM
To: 'NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List'
Subject: [Ohio-talk] candy sells

I want to thank Cindy and Jim for there record keeping and making sure
we
had just enough candy and not lots to bring back to Ohio. I also want to
take my hat off to all who worked hard to sell and get that candy sold.
Paul
sold around 100 packs of candy but the winner of the candy sells with
122
packs of candy was a first timer from Toledo Don Lanton I must say I am
impress. This states 2 thing to me you are never too old to be active
and
never to new to get involved. We had a lot of new people at the
convention
and great energy we are pushing for 250 people at the convention. I
challenge all chapter presidents to bring your people to Columbus. I did
have to buy the chair person of the Cleveland chapter a nice dinner for
bringing  more members to the state convention stay tuned chapter
presidents
you may get the chance.

Thanks Richard 


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------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:19:22 -0400
From: Colleen Roth <n8tnv at att.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <200907140921.n6E9LFeD018754 at nlpi157.prodigy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed


Hi Everett,
You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally 
you may learn something that will benefit someone else.  Also, 
sometimes interspersed with things on the Agenda something might 
pop up that was shifted from another time.  It's not a matter of 
having the Delegation filled, it's a matter of learning to share 
with others.  Personally, I do not do well with Technology but I 
attend because I might learn something which I can share.  I may 
not understand everything I hear but I get enough to know who to 
ask I someone needs my help along the way.
It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the 
States.  It gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and 
sometimes we even get an idea we can use.  I know I probably came 
off as a grouch on my last post but I can honestly say in all my 
years in the NFB I only missed one session and that was because I 
needed to lie down because I wasn't feeling well.
I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you 
will learn.
Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local 
chapter you are expected to attend all beessions and as many 
activities as you can.  You are representing those people who 
cannot attend, and, hopefully, you will learn something to share.
We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the 
poins.
I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was 
impressive.  This is not because I like to sit through 
Presentations of Awards but because it is good to know what 
others are doing.
Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with 
Optical Character Recognition.  The first reading machine was 
huge probably about $80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at 
Conventions.  I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.  
By the way, this included Conventions where I had a 
multiply-handicapped child to care for.
I am not being critical, I just want people to take 
responsibility for attending things and learning.
Everett, you have a lot of energy.  I would like to see you 
channel that into getting people to meetings and getting them to 
work on things.  If you put all that energy to good use at a 
Convention think what you could do.
I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better 
stewards of our time and the Affiliate's money at future 
Conventions.
It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the 
Exhibit Hall.  It is true that I didn't help this year but I did 
not arrive until Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
See you at the NFBO Convention.
Colleen Roth



------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:03:52 -0400
From: "Everett Gavel" <e.gavel at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <000401ca0472$c61072b0$1e43e446 at nb9and4dl3cizf1>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Colleen, and All,

Thanks for your response, Colleen.  I'll respond to a couple of points of
yours:

1) I understand that those who are sponsored by the NFB, meaning those who
get help, get funding to be able to attend, are "expected" to go to general
sessions and some other meetings.  But that's my question and point of
clarification.  Instead of making it seem slightly Hitleresque by simply
saying we need to be there, I'm asking *why,* is all.  It's that simple.

I've put myself out there by asking this question. Because I heard a
couple-few grumbles when mentioning it to others during the convention and
not having a clear answer as to why, other than, "Because we're expected
to."  So I've gone public with this, in the hopes that somewhere in our
various leadership throughout the affiliate, we will get some beauty, some
'poetic clarity' shared that will help enthuse others towards being more
involved every day at future conventions.

Many will read this, I hope.  But even if only a few 'new' minds grasp the
reasons as to why, at least they can then help others grasp why a bit better
in the future.  This would get a better response than simply telling
someone, "Because we need to, that's all," if that makes sense?


2)  While I wasn't at convention for a vacation, I understand what you're
saying.  It'll probably prove out that way with some again this year,
unfortunately.  I do remember several years ago, one of our chapter members
who was involved back when it was more convenient for her, and she went to a
national convention, and seemed to be poolside all week long.  As we know,
the leadership does tend to take notice of who actually goes to learn and at
least tries to help out--be it at convention or back in the local chapter or
both, versus those who basically treat it like a vacation.

Me, I'm fairly happy with my personal results.  I helped out more this year
in various volunteering ways than at any previous convention.  Plus I got to
encourage and help inspire a few different people fairly new to the
organization.  It was great, and it's what I love doing.  I'm a social sort.
I love meeting new people, and love adventuring out - even if we do
occasionally get lost (Hush now, Mr. Payne).  I did channel much of my
energy towards exactly what you mention, Colleen.  Though I fudged the
scheduling over the weekend and missed a handful of meetings due to that,
well, again, I still did better than before, and that's what it's all about.

I was doing what I could to encourage various conventiongoers, while
learning and experiencing things myself.  Though I continue to struggle to
have a week full of 2am nights and 5:30am mornings, I did better this year
than any year previous.  I'm getting closer to my personal 'goal' of keeping
up with JW and Richard and socializing in the evenings while still getting
business done during the day--every day.  I am a very social sort of person.
I enjoy the 'schmoozing.'  I love meeting new people.  And so to go to bed
early at conventions is hard.  I did what I could to encourage people from
Toledo, from Akron, and even a new friend from Chicago who was new to the
NFB.  And I think she's caught the fever, and is hooked.  She's definitely
inspired, anyway.  And if things play out the way I hope and pray, she'll be
working with Marilyn Donehey to start a new chapter in their region, North
of Chicago.

So those are a few great reasons why I go, anyway.  To get reinvigorated,
myself - and to prove to myself that I actually am getting better
year-by-year.  And to inspire, motivate, and educate others every chance I
get.  Certainly not for a vacation.  Though when you do so many positive
things, and end up helping so many people - and bringing back information
and resources to further help those in your community, Thank You God, it
ends up feeling rather like a vacation after all.  How great is that?
Thanks again, Ohio, for letting me be a part of it!

Strive On!
Everett

----- Original Message ----- 
> Hi Everett,
> You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
> Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally
> you may learn something that will benefit someone else.  Also,
> sometimes interspersed with things on the Agenda something might
> pop up that was shifted from another time.  It's not a matter of
> having the Delegation filled, it's a matter of learning to share
> with others.  Personally, I do not do well with Technology but I
> attend because I might learn something which I can share.  I may
> not understand everything I hear but I get enough to know who to
> ask I someone needs my help along the way.
> It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the
> States.  It gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and
> sometimes we even get an idea we can use.  I know I probably came
> off as a grouch on my last post but I can honestly say in all my
> years in the NFB I only missed one session and that was because I
> needed to lie down because I wasn't feeling well.
> I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you
> will learn.
> Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local
> chapter you are expected to attend all beessions and as many
> activities as you can.  You are representing those people who
> cannot attend, and, hopefully, you will learn something to share.
> We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the
> poins.
> I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was
> impressive.  This is not because I like to sit through
> Presentations of Awards but because it is good to know what
> others are doing.
> Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with
> Optical Character Recognition.  The first reading machine was
> huge probably about $80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
> Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at
> Conventions.  I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.
> By the way, this included Conventions where I had a
> multiply-handicapped child to care for.
> I am not being critical, I just want people to take
> responsibility for attending things and learning.
> Everett, you have a lot of energy.  I would like to see you
> channel that into getting people to meetings and getting them to
> work on things.  If you put all that energy to good use at a
> Convention think what you could do.
> I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better
> stewards of our time and the Affiliate's money at future
> Conventions.
> It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the
> Exhibit Hall.  It is true that I didn't help this year but I did
> not arrive until Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
> See you at the NFBO Convention.
> Colleen Roth
>




------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:22:41 -0400
From: "Dr. Smith" <jwsmithnfb at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <EE0E6476BC4A42AB88FEB4EA95D6EE21 at user5e73dc805b>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=response


Amen and well said Colleen.

JW

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Colleen Roth" <n8tnv at att.net>
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?


>
> Hi Everett,
> You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
> Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally you may 
> learn something that will benefit someone else.  Also, sometimes 
> interspersed with things on the Agenda something might pop up that was 
> shifted from another time.  It's not a matter of having the Delegation 
> filled, it's a matter of learning to share with others.  Personally, I do 
> not do well with Technology but I attend because I might learn something 
> which I can share.  I may not understand everything I hear but I get 
> enough to know who to ask I someone needs my help along the way.
> It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the States.  It 
> gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and sometimes we even get an

> idea we can use.  I know I probably came off as a grouch on my last post 
> but I can honestly say in all my years in the NFB I only missed one 
> session and that was because I needed to lie down because I wasn't feeling

> well.
> I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you will learn.
> Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local chapter you are

> expected to attend all beessions and as many activities as you can.  You 
> are representing those people who cannot attend, and, hopefully, you will 
> learn something to share.
> We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the poins.
> I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was impressive.  This

> is not because I like to sit through Presentations of Awards but because 
> it is good to know what others are doing.
> Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with Optical 
> Character Recognition.  The first reading machine was huge probably about 
> $80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
> Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at Conventions.

> I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.  By the way, this 
> included Conventions where I had a multiply-handicapped child to care for.
> I am not being critical, I just want people to take responsibility for 
> attending things and learning.
> Everett, you have a lot of energy.  I would like to see you channel that 
> into getting people to meetings and getting them to work on things.  If 
> you put all that energy to good use at a Convention think what you could 
> do.
> I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better stewards 
> of our time and the Affiliate's money at future Conventions.
> It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the Exhibit 
> Hall.  It is true that I didn't help this year but I did not arrive until 
> Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
> See you at the NFBO Convention.
> Colleen Roth
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ohio-talk mailing list
> Ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Ohio-talk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org/jwsmithnfb%40veri
zon.net
> 





------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:33:04 -0400
From: "Dr. Smith" <jwsmithnfb at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <7966D72876344626B22B18AAC5916398 at user5e73dc805b>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=original


Everett, let me add one more reason why I'd like too see you and as many of 
us in the sessions as possible and as often as possible.

Quite frankly, it's the best way for me to get in touch with you if I need 
something from you or think that their is something that could be beneficial

to you.

It is very hard to catch up with people even with cell phones at these 
meetings and I love being able to find you in the delegation when I need you

and sometimes I will need you quickly!

JW

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Everett Gavel" <e.gavel at sbcglobal.net>
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:03 AM
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?


> Hi Colleen, and All,
>
> Thanks for your response, Colleen.  I'll respond to a couple of points of
> yours:
>
> 1) I understand that those who are sponsored by the NFB, meaning those who
> get help, get funding to be able to attend, are "expected" to go to 
> general
> sessions and some other meetings.  But that's my question and point of
> clarification.  Instead of making it seem slightly Hitleresque by simply
> saying we need to be there, I'm asking *why,* is all.  It's that simple.
>
> I've put myself out there by asking this question. Because I heard a
> couple-few grumbles when mentioning it to others during the convention and
> not having a clear answer as to why, other than, "Because we're expected
> to."  So I've gone public with this, in the hopes that somewhere in our
> various leadership throughout the affiliate, we will get some beauty, some
> 'poetic clarity' shared that will help enthuse others towards being more
> involved every day at future conventions.
>
> Many will read this, I hope.  But even if only a few 'new' minds grasp the
> reasons as to why, at least they can then help others grasp why a bit 
> better
> in the future.  This would get a better response than simply telling
> someone, "Because we need to, that's all," if that makes sense?
>
>
> 2)  While I wasn't at convention for a vacation, I understand what you're
> saying.  It'll probably prove out that way with some again this year,
> unfortunately.  I do remember several years ago, one of our chapter 
> members
> who was involved back when it was more convenient for her, and she went to

> a
> national convention, and seemed to be poolside all week long.  As we know,
> the leadership does tend to take notice of who actually goes to learn and 
> at
> least tries to help out--be it at convention or back in the local chapter 
> or
> both, versus those who basically treat it like a vacation.
>
> Me, I'm fairly happy with my personal results.  I helped out more this 
> year
> in various volunteering ways than at any previous convention.  Plus I got 
> to
> encourage and help inspire a few different people fairly new to the
> organization.  It was great, and it's what I love doing.  I'm a social 
> sort.
> I love meeting new people, and love adventuring out - even if we do
> occasionally get lost (Hush now, Mr. Payne).  I did channel much of my
> energy towards exactly what you mention, Colleen.  Though I fudged the
> scheduling over the weekend and missed a handful of meetings due to that,
> well, again, I still did better than before, and that's what it's all 
> about.
>
> I was doing what I could to encourage various conventiongoers, while
> learning and experiencing things myself.  Though I continue to struggle to
> have a week full of 2am nights and 5:30am mornings, I did better this year
> than any year previous.  I'm getting closer to my personal 'goal' of 
> keeping
> up with JW and Richard and socializing in the evenings while still getting
> business done during the day--every day.  I am a very social sort of 
> person.
> I enjoy the 'schmoozing.'  I love meeting new people.  And so to go to bed
> early at conventions is hard.  I did what I could to encourage people from
> Toledo, from Akron, and even a new friend from Chicago who was new to the
> NFB.  And I think she's caught the fever, and is hooked.  She's definitely
> inspired, anyway.  And if things play out the way I hope and pray, she'll 
> be
> working with Marilyn Donehey to start a new chapter in their region, North
> of Chicago.
>
> So those are a few great reasons why I go, anyway.  To get reinvigorated,
> myself - and to prove to myself that I actually am getting better
> year-by-year.  And to inspire, motivate, and educate others every chance I
> get.  Certainly not for a vacation.  Though when you do so many positive
> things, and end up helping so many people - and bringing back information
> and resources to further help those in your community, Thank You God, it
> ends up feeling rather like a vacation after all.  How great is that?
> Thanks again, Ohio, for letting me be a part of it!
>
> Strive On!
> Everett
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> Hi Everett,
>> You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
>> Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally
>> you may learn something that will benefit someone else.  Also,
>> sometimes interspersed with things on the Agenda something might
>> pop up that was shifted from another time.  It's not a matter of
>> having the Delegation filled, it's a matter of learning to share
>> with others.  Personally, I do not do well with Technology but I
>> attend because I might learn something which I can share.  I may
>> not understand everything I hear but I get enough to know who to
>> ask I someone needs my help along the way.
>> It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the
>> States.  It gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and
>> sometimes we even get an idea we can use.  I know I probably came
>> off as a grouch on my last post but I can honestly say in all my
>> years in the NFB I only missed one session and that was because I
>> needed to lie down because I wasn't feeling well.
>> I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you
>> will learn.
>> Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local
>> chapter you are expected to attend all beessions and as many
>> activities as you can.  You are representing those people who
>> cannot attend, and, hopefully, you will learn something to share.
>> We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the
>> poins.
>> I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was
>> impressive.  This is not because I like to sit through
>> Presentations of Awards but because it is good to know what
>> others are doing.
>> Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with
>> Optical Character Recognition.  The first reading machine was
>> huge probably about $80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
>> Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at
>> Conventions.  I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.
>> By the way, this included Conventions where I had a
>> multiply-handicapped child to care for.
>> I am not being critical, I just want people to take
>> responsibility for attending things and learning.
>> Everett, you have a lot of energy.  I would like to see you
>> channel that into getting people to meetings and getting them to
>> work on things.  If you put all that energy to good use at a
>> Convention think what you could do.
>> I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better
>> stewards of our time and the Affiliate's money at future
>> Conventions.
>> It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the
>> Exhibit Hall.  It is true that I didn't help this year but I did
>> not arrive until Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
>> See you at the NFBO Convention.
>> Colleen Roth
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ohio-talk mailing list
> Ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Ohio-talk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org/jwsmithnfb%40veri
zon.net
> 





------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:44:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Carol Akers <purplecakers at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <399499.62544.qm at web38303.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Amen is right.? Colleen you put it well.? It is TRUE sometimes we tend to
get bored because it is a long time to sit--but as you said--there are so
many interesting facts to take back and share with those who were unable to
attend.? There is SO much new cutting edge information on technology and
programs that we are privileged to hear before the general public.? 
As Colleen said--we all need to keep in mind that if we are being sponsored
or assisted by any organization as well as the NFB--we need to be present at
sessions, seminars and workshops because that is what the money was spent
for.? If we are using this time as a personal get away or vacation and not
attending the functions related to the convention--we are in essence
misappropriating the funding intentions.? Or in straight words--we are
stealing money that could have been put to better use to assist someone who
was truly interested in the real reason for attendence.? Working at the
exhibit hall is a good way to assist, selling the M& M's to raise funds is
another---many people do neither and do not offer any type of service to
those around us.? It reflects poorly on us as a?state, when half of our
delegation? never shows up to any session or workshop.? We can arrange
social time in other ways on our own time and at our own expense.
This is part of my venting Colleen! :-)
Carol

--- On Tue, 7/14/09, Dr. Smith <jwsmithnfb at verizon.net> wrote:


From: Dr. Smith <jwsmithnfb at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 10:22 AM



Amen and well said Colleen.

JW

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- From: "Colleen Roth" <n8tnv at att.net>
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?


> 
> Hi Everett,
> You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
> Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally you may
learn something that will benefit someone else.? Also, sometimes
interspersed with things on the Agenda something might pop up that was
shifted from another time.? It's not a matter of having the Delegation
filled, it's a matter of learning to share with others.? Personally, I do
not do well with Technology but I attend because I might learn something
which I can share.? I may not understand everything I hear but I get enough
to know who to ask I someone needs my help along the way.
> It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the States.? It
gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and sometimes we even get an
idea we can use.? I know I probably came off as a grouch on my last post but
I can honestly say in all my years in the NFB I only missed one session and
that was because I needed to lie down because I wasn't feeling well.
> I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you will learn.
> Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local chapter you are
expected to attend all beessions and as many activities as you can.? You are
representing those people who cannot attend, and, hopefully, you will learn
something to share.
> We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the poins.
> I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was impressive.? This
is not because I like to sit through Presentations of Awards but because it
is good to know what others are doing.
> Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with Optical
Character Recognition.? The first reading machine was huge probably about
$80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
> Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at Conventions.
I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.? By the way, this included
Conventions where I had a multiply-handicapped child to care for.
> I am not being critical, I just want people to take responsibility for
attending things and learning.
> Everett, you have a lot of energy.? I would like to see you channel that
into getting people to meetings and getting them to work on things.? If you
put all that energy to good use at a Convention think what you could do.
> I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better stewards
of our time and the Affiliate's money at future Conventions.
> It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the Exhibit
Hall.? It is true that I didn't help this year but I did not arrive until
Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
> See you at the NFBO Convention.
> Colleen Roth
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Ohio-talk mailing list
> Ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Ohio-talk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org/jwsmithnfb%40veri
zon.net
> 



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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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hoo.com



      

------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:57:37 -0400
From: "Payne, Richard L (GE Money)" <richard.payne at ge.com>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
	<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID:
	<4778BBBA8535F146B8B337B7D3859B7D02FE632A at ALPMLVEM10.e2k.ad.ge.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

I could not say it better. I would like to add that I was very glad to
find our first timer at the general meetings.    I was not interested in
the black berry presentation but I was sure that one of my members
was  interested in the phone     I attended the meeting to provide him
with the info. I would add as the membership chair person having members
attend the general sessions is important because it also demonstrates
unity. We could debate different points about attending as many of the
sessions but the hard facts is  that we represent every one in our
affiliate when we go so they charge us with attending. 

-----Original Message-----
From: ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Dr. Smith
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 10:23 AM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?


Amen and well said Colleen.

JW

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio P.O.BOX 458 Athens,
Ohio, 45701-0458 Phone Number - 740-592-6326 "Changing What it Means to
be Blind"
----- Original Message -----
From: "Colleen Roth" <n8tnv at att.net>
To: "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List"
<ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] The Attendance of General Sessions?


>
> Hi Everett,
> You do raise a valid point and it disserves an answer.
> Well it may not alpear that a session will benefit you personally you
may 
> learn something that will benefit someone else.  Also, sometimes 
> interspersed with things on the Agenda something might pop up that was

> shifted from another time.  It's not a matter of having the Delegation

> filled, it's a matter of learning to share with others.  Personally, I
do 
> not do well with Technology but I attend because I might learn
something 
> which I can share.  I may not understand everything I hear but I get 
> enough to know who to ask I someone needs my help along the way.
> It's nice to hear the different states at Roll Call of the States.  It

> gives us a flavor of the different affiliates and sometimes we even
get an 
> idea we can use.  I know I probably came off as a grouch on my last
post 
> but I can honestly say in all my years in the NFB I only missed one 
> session and that was because I needed to lie down because I wasn't
feeling 
> well.
> I know some things seem pointless but you never know what you will
learn.
> Also, if you are being sponsored by the NFBO or your local chapter you
are 
> expected to attend all beessions and as many activities as you can.
You 
> are representing those people who cannot attend, and, hopefully, you
will 
> learn something to share.
> We do not always enjoy every presentation but that is not the poins.
> I think that the Presentation of the Bollotin awards was impressive.
This 
> is not because I like to sit through Presentations of Awards but
because 
> it is good to know what others are doing.
> Ray Kurzweil is a pioneer in reading machines and working with Optical

> Character Recognition.  The first reading machine was huge probably
about 
> $80,000 and the size of a washing machine.
> Everett, do not misunderstand me, I did do some fun things at
Conventions. 
> I still worked booths, and attended all sessions.  By the way, this 
> included Conventions where I had a multiply-handicapped child to care
for.
> I am not being critical, I just want people to take responsibility for

> attending things and learning.
> Everett, you have a lot of energy.  I would like to see you channel
that 
> into getting people to meetings and getting them to work on things.
If 
> you put all that energy to good use at a Convention think what you
could 
> do.
> I hope that all of us will make a concerted effort to be better
stewards 
> of our time and the Affiliate's money at future Conventions.
> It's not fair that just a few people help at tables and at the Exhibit

> Hall.  It is true that I didn't help this year but I did not arrive
until 
> Tuesday at 11-30 a.m.
> See you at the NFBO Convention.
> Colleen Roth
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ohio-talk mailing list
> Ohio-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Ohio-talk:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ohio-talk_nfbnet.org/jwsmithnfb%40
verizon.net
> 



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------------------------------

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